The Georgian Orthodox Church will hold an extended assembly to elect a new patriarch on May 11, 1 pm, in Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Patriarchate announced on May 7.
During the extended church assembly, expected to attract hundreds of participants from both lay and clerical circles, the 39-member Holy Synod will elect the successor to Ilia II, the widely respected Church leader who passed away in March after five decades at the helm of one of the country’s most influential institutions.
The Synod shortlisted three candidates during its April 28 meeting, among them Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku diocese (Patriarchal Locum Tenens), Metropolitan Iobi (Akiashvili) of Ruisi and Urbnisi diocese, and Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi Diocese.
During the Synod vote, Metropolitan Shio secured 20 votes, while Metropolitans Iobi and Grigol received seven votes each. Should the Locum Tenens retain this level of support — more than 50% of Synod votes — he will become the new patriarch. Otherwise, a runoff will be held.
The Patriarchate promised to reveal more details about the planned assembly later. Under the statute governing the Church, the new patriarch must be elected no later than May 17, or two months after the passing of the previous Church leader.
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